Covering Domestic
Violence: Tips for the Media

Click on the tabs below for tips and tools on each
subject.

Domestic violence statistics are available.
There are many sources for NYS-specific, as well as national,
data regarding the prevalence of domestic violence, as well as
the resource available to combat it. The links below will
connect you to up-to-date domestic violence statistics. In
addition, many domestic violence programs keep local statistics,
so contact the
program in your area to see if they have statistics for your
community.

The language you use is important. Media
helps shape public opinion. Your reporting contributes to your
readers’ understanding of what domestic violence is, who it
affects, and how a community responds to the issue. When
reporting on domestic violence cases, avoid language that:

trivializes (lovers’ quarrel,
hubby, gal pal);

sensationalizes (jealous rage, love
triangle, love gone wrong);

implies the violence was mutual if it
wasn’t (i.e., domestic dispute turned
violent);

attributes the violence to some outside
circumstance (i.e.,he had been drinking a lot
before the attack or he was upset over their recent
break-up) – correlations can be appropriate, but avoid
implications of causation;

blames the victim (i.e., If she had
left, she would still be alive);

is not clear regarding the context of
the violence. Use the phrase “domestic violence” or
“intimate partner violence” in your reporting.

If you include quotes in your story (i.e., from family,
friends, or neighbors) that contain problematic language, also
include quotes from a domestic violence expert to help dispel
popular myths and misconceptions about domestic violence.

Who you use as sources is important.
Reporters often use police as primary sources in domestic
violence stories. Neighbors, friends, and family members are
often used as well. Domestic violence advocates, however, are
not often used as sources despite the fact that they can
offer important insight into domestic violence stories.

Police as sources:

Follow up with them as the case
progresses to be sure you are getting up-to-date
information.

Police are limited in what they can say
and usually can only speak about the incident at hand, not any
previous abuse.

Neighbors, friends, and family members
as sources:

They are often biased due to their
relationship with the victim or offender.

Despite their biases, their statements
about the couple or the relationship between the victim and
offender are often presented as fact. While they can provide
their opinions regarding history and context, as with any
opinions, they should not be presented as fact.

Domestic violence advocates as
sources:

Can provide information about services
available in your area.

Can help explain dynamics that might
seem inexplicable to others (i.e., why an abuser is friendly to
neighbors but abuses his intimate partner).

Can help you put the case you are
reporting on into context.

To find the domestic violence program(s)
in your area, go to the NYS Coalition Against Domestic Violence
on-line directory of domestic violence programs by county.

Putting domestic violence into context is
important. A common complaint about domestic violence
reporting is that the story focuses only on the incident at hand
and does not explain things in the larger framework of domestic
violence. Remember, what you are reporting is likely not the
first abusive incident in the relationship. Domestic violence is
an on-going pattern of behaviors meant to manipulate and control
the victim.

When you report about domestic violence, your stories
are being heard, read, or seen by individuals who are currently
living with abuse. Domestic violence victims are part
of your audience. Your reporting could have an impact on their
decisions. For that reason, be sure to include either the NYS
Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline or the local domestic violence
program hotline in your story whenever possible.

NYS Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline: 1-800-942-6906
English & español, Multi-language Accessibility
National Relay Service for Deaf or Hard of Hearing: 711

In NYC: 311 or 1-800-621-HOPE (4673), TDD: 1-866-604-5350

Be mindful of how you phrase your questions when
speaking with a victim. If you are interviewing a
victim or survivor of domestic violence, avoid questions that
might imply blame. For example: